Celebrate the Ipswich Public Library’s 150th anniversary with this necklace designed by Ipswich jewelry designer Betsy Frost!⁣ ⁣ The Ipswich Public Library has stood atop Town Hill since 1869, serving the town’s citizens as a place of learning and as a nexus for the community, where everyone is welcome. The Library’s now-familiar logo was inspired by the intricate wrought-iron railing that circumscribes the Gallery, the topmost floor of the building and created as part of the Library’s original structure. Both elegant and workmanlike, this logo has come to quintessentially represent the Library’s past, present, and future.⁣ ⁣ 50% of the sales of this necklace will be donated to the Friends of the Ipswich Library, who support the overwhelming majority of Library programs! The necklace also comes with a bookmark that highlights the Library’s logo design history. For more information, visit www.betsyfrostdesign.com, call 978-356-4040 or visit the shop at 4 Market Street, Ipswich.

Come join us at 25 North Main Street… Wednesday, December 4, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Managing your Mail, Contacts, and Calendars is fundamental to using your Apple products (iPad, iPhone, and Computer) to their full potential. This class will cover the many features of these Apps, as well as handy tips and tricks that will allow you to use their full capacity to keep you better organized and efficient. Marjorie Wein and Carol Wein are the owners of WizeGuides – a company that helps people to get comfortable with all types of technology. They work with people in their homes, businesses, or in seminars. They also teach technology in numerous places such as adult education and library programs. Their extensive teaching and business backgrounds give them the edge in showing people that technology can be simple and unintimidating.

Jim Parks of Wingmasters brings live birds to Native American Artifacts and Birds of Prey.

The Ipswich Public Library has launched a mobile hotspot lending program, and it is free! There are no fees for the device or service. A mobile hotspot is portable, which makes it quick and convenient to access the Internet anytime, in locations where T-Mobile wireless network is available. Currently, the Library offers four hotspots to patrons. With a library card in good standing, borrowing one is easy. You may place a hold on it through the online catalog just like a book. You may also call 978.356.6648 for device availability or inquire in person at the Main Desk. The device is intended for a seven day loan period, with no renewals. Be sure to read the Library’s Hotspot Lending Policy before borrowing a hotspot device. This lending initiative extends the Internet connectivity beyond the library walls. The Ipswich Public Library is dedicated to providing access to the digital world without hindrance, to ensure that everyone in the community can take advantage of the ever expanding resources and services available on the Internet.

The Ipswich Reads…One Book program encourages the community to read the same book and come together to explore its themes and issues at a variety of community events each fall. This year’s title is Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey through His Son’s Addiction, by David Sheff. We are pleased to announce that Mr. Sheff will visit Ipswich as our keynote speaker for this series. About the Book: David Sheff chronicles his son’s downward spiral into addiction and tentative steps toward recovery. Beautiful Boy is a fiercely candid memoir that brings immediacy to the emotional roller coaster of loving a child who seems beyond help, as only a parent can. Copies of the book are available to borrow now at the library! About the Series: Addiction impacts every community, with devastating consequences. But as a town, Ipswich is not standing idle. This initiative was born of the shared response to this crisis in our community. Countless individuals and groups are working diligently to create awareness, reduce stigma and foster conversations, as we seek answers to difficult questions. In its 15th year, Ipswich Reads One Book is an ideal platform for those conversations. Perhaps more than any other activity, reading has the power to bring people together around difficult issues. The power of storytelling to share experiences and create empathy paves the way for common ground, and for working together to solve problems. This fall, we hope that you will join us in reading, listening, learning, and continuing to discuss this complicated topic. With the combined effort of many hands and voices, we can support every individual and family impacted in our community. No matter who you are or how you connect with this issue, we can all be part of the solution. Ipswich Reads One Book 2019 is sponsored by the Ipswich Public Library, Ipswich Police Department, Ipswich Public Schools, Ipswich Family YMCA, and Ipswich Aware. Events at a Glance (click on dates below for detailed descriptions and registration requirements) Event Date and Time Location Keynote Speaker Author David Sheff Thursday, November 7th at 7pm Ipswich Performing Arts Center Open Book Discussions: Beautiful Boy ·   Friday, October 11th at 10am ·   Thursday, October 17th at  2pm ·   Monday, October 21st at 6:30pm Ipswich Public Library Panel Discussion: Substance Abuse and Community Policing Wednesday, October 9th at 7pm Ipswich Town Hall Talking with Children about Substance Use and Addiction: Strategies for Communicating […]

Getting Around Town Using … Uber, Lyft, and GPS Apps Saturday, November 16, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM DO YOU: Sit around waiting for someone to give you a ride? Do you CALL your children and/or grandchildren to take you where you want to go? Do you call your local taxi company only to find out the wait is longer than you thought….OR THEY ARE OUT OF BUSINESS! Do you have a ride to dinner or the theatre, but not a ride home after? Do you want to go out at the last minute to just have an unplanned fun day, but feel stuck at home? Maybe it’s time to change and learn NEW WAYS! ABOUT THE TRAINERS Technology classes this fall will be presented by Marjorie Wein and Carol Wein. Marjorie and Carol are the owners of WizeGuides – a company that helps people get comfortable with all types of technology. They work with people in their homes, businesses, or in seminars. They also teach technology in numerous settings such as adult education and library programs. Their extensive teaching and business backgrounds give them the edge in showing people that technology can be simple and unintimidating.

Our Library Opened its Doors in 1869! “Always Bring Your Library Card” Special Exhibition: Opening October 1, 2019 Explore 150 years of public service, reading, and culture in our community through the lens of the Ipswich Public Library. The exhibition presents a history of the IPL including library cards, do’s and don’ts of library behavior through the years, and rarely seen highlights from the archives! Cosponsored by the Ipswich Public Library and the Ipswich Museum. Artwork: Darcy Scanlon Moulton, courtesy of the Friends of the Ipswich Library

From the streets of Harvard Square to the halls of symphony orchestras they have entertained audiences of all ages! Young teen Fiddlin’ Quinn Eastburn and His Big Folks Band includes Banjo Master Ken Clarkson, a Virginia native and on guitar Quinn’s Dad Chris Eastburn, who is a professional arranger and choral director. Come join us for an evening of lively music on Friday, September 27 from 6:30-7:30 PM at 25 North Main Street. Free and open to the general public. Registration required.  Sponsored by the Ipswich Public Library Arts Committee with funding from the Board of Trustees.

Windows 10 Basics Part 1: Saturday, October 5, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Windows 10 is the newest operating system from Microsoft. We will go over all the basic features of the operating system, including how to manage files and folders.  Whether you are new to PCs or new to Windows 10, this class is for you. Windows 10 Basics Part 2: Wednesday, October 23, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Review of the basic features of Windows 10 Operating System. However, the focus of this class will be the key applications including how to work with email and attachments, photo management, and keeping your computer secure and healthy. Whether you are new to PCs or new to Windows 10, this class is for you.  ABOUT THE TRAINERS Marjorie Wein and Carol Wein are the owners of WizeGuides – a company that helps people to get comfortable with all types of technology. They work with people in their homes, businesses, or in seminars. They also teach technology in numerous settings such as adult education and library programs. Their extensive teaching and business background help them make technology simple and unintimidating.

On August 21st at 6:30pm, meet our two newest members of the library… TELESCOPES! They don’t have names (yet) but they cannot wait to be checked out and go home with you. Our friends from the Aldrich Astronomical Society will come in to tell us all about our telescopes and what you can discover with them from your own back yard. If the weather is nice, we’ll all go outside to see what we can see outside of the library! We will be drawing the winner of of the “Win a Date with a Telescope” Raffle (including prize basket with goodies you’ll want while watching the night sky)! Starting the day after the dedication, use your library card to discover the Universe from your own backyard! Your library telescope is powerful enough to resolve the Rings of Saturn, the Galilean moons or nearby star clusters! For more information on our telescopes, click HERE. To put a telescope on hold (starting 8/22/19), click HERE.

This summer is a big one, full of reasons to come to the library and celebrate! This summer is the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing, the 60th anniversary of NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and it’s the Ipswich Public Library’s 150th anniversary. To celebrate these events and embrace our summer reading theme – “A Universe of Stories” – we’ll kick off the summer by hosting a… SPACE MOVIE SERIES. This program welcomes patrons of ALL AGES! Parents, please note that children under 8 years old do need to be accompanied by an adult. Notable Space Themed Films are playing in the Collins Room throughout the beginning of summer! Click on the title to find out more/register online: Friday, June 28th: Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 1 (5:30-7:15pm, PG-13, 121 min, Registration Required) Monday, July 1st: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (5:30-7:45pm, PG, 135 min) Monday, July 8th: Passengers (5:30-7:30pm, PG-13, 116 min) Thursday, July 11th: Space Jam (1-2:30pm, PG, 87 min) Monday, July 15th: Spaceballs (5:30-7:15pm, PG, 96 min) Thursday, July 18th: WALL-E (1-2:45pm, G, 98 min) Friday, July 19th: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (5-7pm, PG, 115 min, Registration Required) Friday, July 19th: Treasure Planet (1-2:45pm, PG, 96 min) Friday, July 19th: Apollo 13 (5-7:30pm, PG-13, 140 min, Registration Required) All listed events are free and light refreshment will be provided. To learn more about the movies and to register for an event, you can also visit: ipswichlibrary.org/events. Questions? Please contact Teen Librarian Katy Wuerker at kwuerker@ipswichlibrary.org or (978) 356-6648.

Please join us for this lecture by special guest, Robert Shetterly! Thursday, July 11th at 7pm. Space is limited! Register at this link. Americans Who Tell the Truth, a collection of portraits painted by nationally acclaimed cultural and educational artist Robert Shetterly, will be on public display throughout the town of Ipswich during the month of July. The portraits and accompanying narratives in the “Americans Who Tell the Truth” series highlight citizens who courageously address issues of social, environmental and economic fairness. In this presentation, Shetterly will share the origin story of the Americans Who Tell the Truth portrait series, how its mission has transformed over time, and what it means now. He will also discuss how he chose the portrait subjects, talk about art & activism,  and tell stories of several of the portrait subjects. To learn more about this series and other related events happening in Ipswich, please visit this link.

The library is pleased to announce that the next author for this lecture series will be Gregory Maguire on Thursday, May 9, 2019. Space is limited – Click HERE to save your seat! Mr. Maguire is the author of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, and several dozen other novels for adults and children. Many of Maguire’s adult novels are inspired by classic children’s stories; Wicked transforms the Wicked Witch of the West from L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its 1939 film adaptation into the misunderstood green-skinned Elphaba Thropp. The blockbuster Broadway musical Wicked, at its height running nine companies simultaneously around the world, was inspired by Maguire’s first grown-up novel. Borned and raised in Albany, New York, he now lives in Massachusetts. To learn more about this special author series, please follow this link.

Thanks to the generosity of our neighbors at EBSCO Information Services, in partnership with Rosetta Stone Inc., patrons of the Ipswich Public Library can now enhance their language learning goals with access to the Rosetta Stone Library Solution. Whether patrons are looking to learn a new language, further their ESL learning as non-native English speakers, or brush up on a language for business or vacation travel, Rosetta Stone Library Solution offers the proven immersion method that more than 22,000 schools and 12,000 businesses have trusted for more than 20 years. It includes 30 languages to meet a range of cultural interests. Learning is structured around core lessons to build reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills and also includes focused activities to refine grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and more. Patrons can also take advantage of available mobile apps that enable learners to reinforce their language learning wherever they may be. To start using Rosetta Stone, follow this link. Simply log in with your library card and follow the instructions! Please also feel free to contact the Reference Desk at 978.356.6648 ext. 15 if you need assistance.

OverDrive just became even better! Now you can check out ebooks and audiobooks from eight Massachusetts library networks using your Ipswich (or other MVLC) library card! You can do this either on the Overdrive website or through the Libby app. If our copy is checked out or we don’t own it, you’ll have seven other systems to search. For full details, you can find information by following THIS LINK.

Saturday, May 18, from 10:00—11:30 AM Learn how to take better photos with your smartphone or tablet, use filters & edit images, save photos, and share them. Bring your charged phone or tablet, or any camera you’d like to use – this tips are all-purpose! Note: We will be walking outside the library if weather permits; dress for the weather. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to email them to Jennifer before the class at jennifer.koerber@gmail.com No Registration Required!

Satisfy your inner wanderlust and check out our monthly “Armchair Traveler” series! Jeff Klapes has been Head of Reference Services at Wakefield’s Beebe Library for over 20 years, where he is also known as the “Traveling Librarian.” On Tuesday, May 7th, Jeff will take us on an armchair traveler’s journey to Hungary’s impressive capital, Budapest. Opulent architecture along the Danube, spas and baths from the Ottoman era to the 19th century, and elegant Parisian style boulevards all create a unique atmosphere. Mixed in are the leftovers from the bleak era of Communist occupation, which make for compelling experiences learning about Hungary’s history. Having visited more than 50 countries and five continents over the years, Jeff does frequent armchair travel presentations showcasing the history and culture of various places, using photography to capture people, scenery, and local details. From Iceland to Namibia, Laos to Oman, Jeff has visited many off-the-beaten path places, as well as more popular ports of call. And of course, as a librarian, he also reads voraciously about his destinations to learn about their culture, history, politics, literature, nature, and cuisine. This series will take place monthly, alternating between the library and the senior center. Check out our online calendar for additional dates and times! This series is free and open to the public, and is funded by a grant from the Coburn Charitable Society.

Are you prepping to see Avengers: Endgame? Check out this amazing collection of Marvel Comics available on Overdrive, free with your library card!

You probably know that the library is a busy place! Last year alone more than 10,000 people attended programs at the Ipswich Public Library. But did you know that we have NO money in our town budget for programming? Most library programs (as well as supplies, computer equipment, furnishings and many other needs) are funded through the generosity of the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library. The Friends work to raise funds all year long to support the library, but this month in particular there are two easy ways you can help! During the month of April, the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library will be the designated nonprofit in the Shaw’s Supermarket Give Back Where it Counts program. This means that each time you purchase a reusable bag at the Shaw’s at 146 High Street, $1 will be donated to the Friends of the Ipswich Library. Also throughout April, the Friends will be running a special promotion in the Friends of the Library Book Shop, which is right inside the library and open during all regular library hours. This month only, ALL books with BLUE and YELLOW dots will be BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! Come pick up some great deals and support the library at the same time! To learn more about the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library, or to donate and/or volunteer, click HERE.

Sisters in Crime is a robust organization of mystery and thriller authors whose speakers span New York Times bestselling authors to emerging greats. Each engages and entertains while sharing their experiences in the fast-changing world of publishing. Join us for three monthly panel discussions on the ins and outs of writing mysteries and getting published. Space is limited and registration is required – follow the links below to our calendar to read more about our guest authors for each month and to save your seat! Sunday, March 10th at 2pm: Mystery Making In this interactive workshop, four mystery authors representing different sub-genres, including cozy/traditional and thriller/suspense, will brainstorm on their feet to create a brand new mystery using suggestions provided by the audience. Fun, fast-paced, and fascinating, this improv game offers important insights into mystery writers’ minds and the conventions of the genre. [Click HERE for more information and to register]. Sunday, April 7th at 2pm: Stealing from the Dead You don’t need to be an international spy to write a page-turning thriller, or a law enforcement professional to write a police procedural. This discussion shows how authors put new twists on old plots, research facts and settings, and discover potential stories right in their own neighborhood. [Click HERE for more information and to register]. Sunday, May 5th at 2pm: Pathways to Publication Mystery authors today not only have to write a good book, they must help it get into the hands of readers. Today’s authors have multiple choices to bring their book to life. From getting an agent and a large press offer to deciding to go with a small press or to self-publish, hear how authors decided upon their unique publication path. [Click HERE for more information and to register]. These programs are free of cost, thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library.

As the thermometer drops, it’s a great time to curl up on the couch and watch your favorite movies or TV shows. The Library makes it easy for you to plan a cozy night in with our great Binge Boxes – a box full of movies or TV shows so you can catch up on a series or enjoy a themed box for your own at-home film festival (Hitchcock, horror films, chick flicks, and more…). Check out all of our Binge Boxes in the library catalog at this link, or stop in to see what’s available today! Also make sure to look for our holiday-themed Binge Boxes, just in time to get you in the spirit!

Poetry Workshops Throughout March and April, taught by award-winning poet and educator Carla Panciera. Register for some or all – click on the links below to learn more and save your spot!   Let’s Play – March 6th at 3:30 PM       The Witnessed Experience and Beyond – March 12th at 6:30 PM Words, Words, Words – March 16th at 1:00 PM          Imagery – It Starts Here – March 26th at 6:30 PM Out of this World – April 3rd at 3:30 PM Ipswich Poetry GroupThe Ipswich Poetry Group meets upstairs on the second and fourth Wednesdays every month at 6:30pm to share poems in progress and give and receive feedback. All are welcome! Click here to learn about the group and their upcoming meetings and events. Poetry Reading Wednesday, April 10th at 6:30pm Open to all: come listen to the work of our spring workshop participants! Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library

Tuesday, April 23 at 6pm Learn about different kinds of mobile devices – smartphones, tablets, e-readers, cell phones – and how they work. We’ll discuss the basics of what an app is, and how to find and start using apps that are useful to you. Bring your mobile device if you have one, and we’ll try to answer your questions. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to email them to Jennifer before the class at jennifer.koerber@gmail.com This class is free and open to the public. No registration required. Will be presented by consultant Jennifer Koerber, trainer and speaker on emerging technologies and the social web, and co-author of Emerging Technologies: a Primer for Librarians (Rowman & Littlefield, May 2015). Visit her at www.jenniferkoerber.com

Stop by the Friends of the Library Book Shop for some great deals and special sale items! ALL STOCK HALF OFF ALL DAY! Saturday, March 9th from 9am-3pm and Sunday 1pm-4pm in the Rogers Room on the first floor of the library. All proceeds directly benefit library programs and services.

This February we are celebrating this year’s 91st Academy Awards Ceremony (airing Sunday, February 24th). Check out our “Night at the Oscars!” display table on the main floor to see what is available to checkout and to learn more about the list of nominees. Feeling lucky? Grab a ballot, return it completed with contact information to the box, and you might win our “Night at the Oscars!” Giveaway basket full of movie night goodies. Winner to be announced on Monday, February 25th.   Nominated Films are playing in the Collins Room this month! Click on the title to register online: Tuesday, February 5th: First Man (5:30-8pm, PG-13, 142min, Four Nominations) Saturday, February 9th: Christopher Robin (1-2:45pm, PG, 103min, One Nomination) Wednesday, February 13th: A Quiet Place (6-7:30pm, PG-13, 91min, One Nomination) Friday, February 15th: BlacKkKlansman (5-7:30pm, R, 136min, Six Nominations) Saturday, February 16th: Incredibles 2 (10-12:15pm, PG, 125min, One Nomination) Tuesday, February 19th: Solo: A Star Wars Story (1-3:15pm, PG-13, 135min, One Nomination) Friday, February 22nd: Black Panther (1-3:15pm, PG-13, 135min, Seven Nominations) All listed events are free and light refreshment will be provided. To learn more about the movies and to register for an event, you can also visit: ipswichlibrary.org/events. Questions? Please contact Teen Librarian Katy Wuerker at kwuerker@ipswichlibrary.org or (978) 356-6648.  

Registration for the Cookbook Club starts today!  Click here to register.

The Library Board of Trustees approved a new three-year strategic plan in September of 2018, which was subsequently approved by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). Ipswich is continually growing and changing, and library services must grow and change with the Town. It is time for us to look again to be sure that we are using our resources effectively to meet the shifting needs of our community, and that we define ways to maintain and increase library services while we plan for the future. Our Long Range Plan is the result of a months-long process. It strives to bring focus to the library’s services over the next three years. While not inclusive of everything we do on a daily basis, this plan attempts to identify specific areas where the community has expressed a desire for us to strengthen and grow, while still maintaining all other services under our mission. It will guide the Library staff as they make library service and program decisions, and will guide the Trustees and Director as they allocate resources to achieve the most effective library services possible. Read more about the Library’s new plan here.      

We’ll end our summer reading program like we started – with cupcakes! The theme? “Books into Movies”! Prizes will be awarded to cupcakes for creativity. Registration required. This event is free and for TEENS ONLY (rising 6th graders through exiting 12th graders).